Guide to Huesca and The Aragonese Pyrenees

Huesca and the Aragonese Pyrenees – Introduction

Although Huesca is not in the Aragonese Pyrenees, it is often used as a useful base for staring a trip into the mountains, so we have included it in this section of the guide. Huesca is a pleasant enough town, with a well maintained old town and a lively atmoosphere at peak times, good accomodation and great value eateries. But what you really come to North of Aragon for is the scenery, the fresh air and the fact that the Aragonese Pyrenees are (don’t say it too loud) are more worthwhile visit than the Catalan Pyrenees.

The Aragonese Pyrenees are stunning, rising up in the North of the region to meet the border with France, their peaks sharp, and a times, unforgiving. There is a well organised hiking culture in this part of the country, as you’d expect. Tracks are well marked, there is an array of accomodation and hence, lots of visitors. The peak time of the year is summer, when the paths can get a little too busy and the refuges and hostals a little too in demand. But that is the price you pay for an area of such astonishing beauty.

Not only are hikers drawn to the area. Skiing is a popular pastime and Spanish visitors come en masse at peak times to enjoy the slopes at Formigal and Astún, amongst others. As well as this, the region is scattered with remote villages seemingly untouched by time, and there a few larger towns well worth your time exploring – if you’re feet aren’t sore enough already with all the walking.

Huesca and The Aragonese Pyrenees – Don’t Miss

Base yourself for a night in Huesca, enjoy the eateries and architecture of the old town, and get a feel for Northern Aragon.

Explore the Parque Natural Posets-Maladeta and it’s myriad of spectacular walks, basing yourself in the fun little village of Benasque

Spend time in what is perhaps the highlight of The Aragonese Pyrenees – the Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido – taking your pick of endless walking opportunities to see the valleys, gorges and wildlife of this spectacular national park.

Stop off in Ainsa, an architectural highlight in the region and explore this majestically atmospheric village.

Explore the Echo and Anso valleys, with their lush vegetation and villages which time forgot.

Huesca and The Aragonese Pyrenees – What to Look for on the Menu

We know how tough it can be in a bar or restaurant when you’re visiting a foreign country. Here’s our guide of what local specialities to look for on the menu in Huesca and the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Ternasco Asado– Slow cooked Lamb normally served with potatoes.

Esparragos Montañeses– Delicious Aragonese Asparagus.

Pote Aragones with Boliches– Aragonese bean stew.

Trufas de Ansó– Ansó Truffles

Vino de Somontano – The local wine, served widely in the area.

Huesca and the Aragonese Pyrenees – Where to Stay

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The following links are all in the town of Huesca.

It Rains In Spain only ever recommends three hotels. See why here. One Budget option, one Midrange and one Luxury.

Reader’s Tips

This section is specifically designed for our readers to share their top tips with other would-be travellers. If you visited a particularly wonderful restaurant, or stayed in a fantastic hotel, or even ate a tremendous local dish, please let us know here! Any tip whatsoever will be greatly appreciated by our Spain loving community of travellers.